I'm back - safe and sound - after more than 21 hours of travel after a long flight (12h+) from Hong Kong and 4-5 hours of wait in Amsterdam. Oslo is pretty though; warm and welcoming with its greenary and people.
I have gotten all my stuff (luggage, excessive baggage sent from Australia and my belongs I left in Oslo) and unpacked a bit in the Christian student complex I spent my first two years in the Norwegian capital.
My dad happened to be in town today as well, and we met up for dinner and grocery shopping.
I seriously think about all my friends in Australia, but seriously enjoy being back and finally seriously would like to sleep.
More extensive updates will be arriving as soon as sleep, rest and time allow.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Sunday, June 25, 2006
E: King Hong Kong
Hong Kong is mighty. Nowhere on earth do you find 7 million people + tourists stored on such a little landmass. In downtown (north on Hong Kong Island + Kowloon), skyscrapers are more common than regular houses.
The flight in yesterday went smoothly and gave me a chance to prepeare a bit with a Lonely Planet guide and seated next two a Chinese guy from Hong Kong (who I met on the shuttle from Freemantle (Perth)). I checked in and had a peak at the Temple Street Market.
Today I've been hiking most of northern Honk Kong island and seen most sites there are. The peak gives excellent views. And the lightshow was quite cool.
There so many impressions not too mention pictures to be shared, but I will leave much of it until I get back. For now I can say that people are polite, the city is fairly quiet for being so massive and congested. It's extremely hot and humid, so any place without air condition would be a killer.
I am doing well, although it's hard to be without the woman in my life and my friends in Melbourne.
God bless from an internet cafe on Nathan Road.
The flight in yesterday went smoothly and gave me a chance to prepeare a bit with a Lonely Planet guide and seated next two a Chinese guy from Hong Kong (who I met on the shuttle from Freemantle (Perth)). I checked in and had a peak at the Temple Street Market.
Today I've been hiking most of northern Honk Kong island and seen most sites there are. The peak gives excellent views. And the lightshow was quite cool.
There so many impressions not too mention pictures to be shared, but I will leave much of it until I get back. For now I can say that people are polite, the city is fairly quiet for being so massive and congested. It's extremely hot and humid, so any place without air condition would be a killer.
I am doing well, although it's hard to be without the woman in my life and my friends in Melbourne.
God bless from an internet cafe on Nathan Road.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
E: WA is going on
Western Australia (WA) is almost one third of Australia, and area covering about half of Europe (own estimate). The sunny capital is Perth. And it's from its pleasant suburb of Freemantle these words are being typed.
Yesterday's goodbye was tough, particularly parting with my outstanding girlfriend, Darshini. I have had a really good time in Melbourne and will miss my friends.
After arrival yesterday, I had a look at the city from King's park before dark. Afterwards I spend some time online working, eating, SMS-ing and talking to Darsh. I went to bed early, to rise at 7:30 this morning for exploring more of central Perth before heading down to Freemantle. It has gotten dark here as well, but I managed to get by most of the typical sites of the suburb - which is a very pretty one.
My plan is to take the ferry to and cycle around Rottenest Island tomorrow during the day. At night I will visit the weekend markets of Freemantle. Saturday I leave for Hong Kong.
I might get up for the world cup clash of Australia vs Croatia 3 am (Perth time).
Yesterday's goodbye was tough, particularly parting with my outstanding girlfriend, Darshini. I have had a really good time in Melbourne and will miss my friends.
After arrival yesterday, I had a look at the city from King's park before dark. Afterwards I spend some time online working, eating, SMS-ing and talking to Darsh. I went to bed early, to rise at 7:30 this morning for exploring more of central Perth before heading down to Freemantle. It has gotten dark here as well, but I managed to get by most of the typical sites of the suburb - which is a very pretty one.
My plan is to take the ferry to and cycle around Rottenest Island tomorrow during the day. At night I will visit the weekend markets of Freemantle. Saturday I leave for Hong Kong.
I might get up for the world cup clash of Australia vs Croatia 3 am (Perth time).
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
E: Bye bye Melbourne
10 hours before my flight, I am about to go to bed for the last time in Melbourne for a long time. Perth awaits for three days before Hong Kong occupies the reminder of my overseas stay away from Norway. The last days have been hectic with last soccer match, farewell, saying goodbye to a range of friends, packing and getting ready for take-off. In spite a really study-savvy semester, I have enjoyed my time here and feel somewhat unfinished with leaving. More updates and the promised pictures will be coming.
For now, you will have to enjoy the clips below until I got more blogging time on my hands.
Thanks to all in Melbourne for making this stay so enjoyable!
For now, you will have to enjoy the clips below until I got more blogging time on my hands.
Thanks to all in Melbourne for making this stay so enjoyable!
E: Online clips 11
Before you go on enjoying today’s clip selection, I want to note that these excerpts are carefully chosen after watching many a terrible uploaded video. So you better laugh or appreciate these ;). Your particular taste (if different from mine) or mood might deter the sensation.
First off is a worst-case-scenario for both a reporter and a potential world record breaker.
Second is a clip from the most fascinating part of a rugby international; the pre-game intimidation.
Third up is slamball, an intensely bouncy version of basketball. It’s looks awesome, but I doubt it will become a major hit.
Fourth is a compilation of various interesting dance scenes.
Fifth, an example of how a race is not over until you passed the finish line. Or as my soccer coach would say; the game is not over until the final whistle blows. Poor guy. See the demonstration of cockiness.
Finally, if you have some time on your hands, and are fascinated by complex domino effects, you should watch these interesting constructions of tiny balls, wagons, hammers and other artifacts causing a stream of actions and reactions.
See all past entries here.
First off is a worst-case-scenario for both a reporter and a potential world record breaker.
Second is a clip from the most fascinating part of a rugby international; the pre-game intimidation.
Third up is slamball, an intensely bouncy version of basketball. It’s looks awesome, but I doubt it will become a major hit.
Fourth is a compilation of various interesting dance scenes.
Fifth, an example of how a race is not over until you passed the finish line. Or as my soccer coach would say; the game is not over until the final whistle blows. Poor guy. See the demonstration of cockiness.
Finally, if you have some time on your hands, and are fascinated by complex domino effects, you should watch these interesting constructions of tiny balls, wagons, hammers and other artifacts causing a stream of actions and reactions.
See all past entries here.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
E: Recent highlights
I am currently in Albury. Darsh and I came to the city, situated over 300 km from Melbourne just across the border to the state of New South Wales, to visit James and Carolyn, whose wedding we attended in the beginning of March. The ride, the city and the reunion have all been wonderful so far.
We will return on Saturday as it will be my final soccer match; a cup game versus one of the best first division teams (we are second division). It will finally be the time to show how good our last wins (8-1, 8-0, 5-0) have been. Another soccer-related happening was the birthday party of Alan, the soccer team’s goalkeeper, who celebrated his first 40 in Williamstown (June 3). He just started playing soccer about a year ago, but does really well. And he is a great guy whom I enjoyed celebrating.
Tuesday Darsh and I went to Sovereign Hill. The 25 hectare living museum is a fascinating tourist attraction 10 minutes from the city of Ballarat (1.5 hours by train from Melbourne) showing the beginning of gold mining history of the area (1851 onwards). Gold melting, digging and museum, candy making, musket firing, horse and carriage, theatre, actors in customs of the era with more. The whole park wash well followed-through and worth the money, but I would primarily recommend it to families or people with special interests in gold. Three-four hours is sufficient.
Two other events took place back on June 4. I have always been fascinated by Stomp – one of the coolest musical entertainers I know of. Their way of generating rhythms and beats on various trash, brooms and other non-typical instruments are amazing. Up till now, I had only seen them on TV, an exert from their show which started downtown New York and became a Broadway show. And what a show it was! I went in a group of ten and had a blast. Cameras were prohibited, but you can find some samples online: Kitchen and basketball.
Later the same Sunday, Jackie, my housemate, had her baptism in St. Judes Anglican church. Jackie shared her testimony and I liked how the whole congregation moved up really close to the bathtub-like place of the watery act of faith.
Pictures for most these goings-on will be available soon.
We will return on Saturday as it will be my final soccer match; a cup game versus one of the best first division teams (we are second division). It will finally be the time to show how good our last wins (8-1, 8-0, 5-0) have been. Another soccer-related happening was the birthday party of Alan, the soccer team’s goalkeeper, who celebrated his first 40 in Williamstown (June 3). He just started playing soccer about a year ago, but does really well. And he is a great guy whom I enjoyed celebrating.
Tuesday Darsh and I went to Sovereign Hill. The 25 hectare living museum is a fascinating tourist attraction 10 minutes from the city of Ballarat (1.5 hours by train from Melbourne) showing the beginning of gold mining history of the area (1851 onwards). Gold melting, digging and museum, candy making, musket firing, horse and carriage, theatre, actors in customs of the era with more. The whole park wash well followed-through and worth the money, but I would primarily recommend it to families or people with special interests in gold. Three-four hours is sufficient.
Two other events took place back on June 4. I have always been fascinated by Stomp – one of the coolest musical entertainers I know of. Their way of generating rhythms and beats on various trash, brooms and other non-typical instruments are amazing. Up till now, I had only seen them on TV, an exert from their show which started downtown New York and became a Broadway show. And what a show it was! I went in a group of ten and had a blast. Cameras were prohibited, but you can find some samples online: Kitchen and basketball.
Later the same Sunday, Jackie, my housemate, had her baptism in St. Judes Anglican church. Jackie shared her testimony and I liked how the whole congregation moved up really close to the bathtub-like place of the watery act of faith.
Pictures for most these goings-on will be available soon.
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